The career paths of current Bayern Munich players Ivan Perisic and Corentin Tolisso could be linked if reports out of Italy hold any truth.
Perisic, on loan from Inter Milan, has been a solid veteran option on the wing for Hansi Flick, while Tolisso has been unable to leap over Joshua Kimmich, Thiago Alcantara, and Leon Goretzka in the midfield pecking order for the Bavarians.
Reports out of Italy indicate that Inter Milan could provide a solution that would benefit both players. Citing a report from Tuttosport, the website SempreInter.com has a post indicating that the two clubs could collaborate on a player swap plus cash:
Inter and Bayern Munich are thinking about a possible swap deal that would see Ivan Perisic and Corentin Tolisso exchanged according to a report in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport. Perisic is currently out on loan at the Bundesliga outfit, who have an option to sign him up on a permanent for €20 million.
Bayern Munich could ask for Inter to grant them a discount on the Croatian national team winger, who they are keen to keep a hold of. Alternatively, Bayern Munich could acquire him in a swap deal with Inter, who are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso. Due to the difference in their values, Bayern Munich would expect Inter to add some cash on top of 31-year-old Perisic for a swap deal to take place.
Calciomercato had its own report confirming that Bayern Munich is indeed interested in procuring Perisic, while Inter Milan is also interested in bringing in Tolisso — but the two deals might not necessarily be linked:
Inter are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso and are considering signing the Frenchman in the summer, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano on Italian media outlet Calciomercato.com earlier today.
Romano reports that Tolisso has “impressed” Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte and “fits the characteristics” that Conte desires. Calciomercato goes on to say that Tolisso “is a separate issue” from any deal involving Perisic.
As always, stay tuned.
BFW Analysis
On the surface, a swap of Perisic plus €10-€20 million for Tolisso makes a lot of sense for all involved. Perisic has been the steady veteran presence on the flanks that Bayern Munich needs behind youngsters Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, while Tolisso is likely too good to be such a deep reserve.
The rumored €20 million price on Perisic’s “option-to-buy” is steep in today’s market, but a swap for Tolisso + cash could be the answer to the problems for both players and both clubs. Per Transfermarkt.com, Tolisso’s value is currently €25 million.
More than anything, Tolisso just needs opportunity, which will be hard to come by in the crowded Bayern Munich midfield, which currently includes Kimmich, Thiago, Goretzka, Javi Martinez, and Michaël Cuisance and might potentially also feature Adrian Fein next season.
In the end — given the bleak financial climate — a deal involving both players and cash seems like the most efficient way to appease the needs of both clubs and both players involved.